Patience and love of family key to 60 years
A Warragul dance was the meeting place for John and Lois Davies who celebrated 60 years of marriage last week.
Lois (nee Parke), then aged 16 or 17, said “it was too long ago” to remember details of their initial encounter at the RSL Hall. However, love soon blossomed despite John having to travel to Tasmania for work.
The couple married at Yarragon Methodist Church on January 19, 1957 with Lois admitting “I was damn nervous”.
Growing up in Lillico and Yarragon respectively, 84-year-old John and 78-year-old Lois have remained in the district and celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary on Thursday.
To mark the occasion, the couple enjoyed not one but two parties. The first was a high tea with 35 family and friends at Fairview Village, where they now reside, on Saturday. It will be followed by a luncheon with neighbouring residents on Thursday. “People say it’s a long time,” said Lois. “Or you get more for murder,” added John. They believe patience is the key to a long marriage. Their obvious love of family is also a key along with a challenging yet rewarding shared role of fostering 65 children.
John and Lois have two daughters, Pam and Julie, as well as two grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren, four step great-grandchildren and one step great-great grandchild. “They keep you on your toes,” said John. John and Lois were living in Warragul when they applied to be foster parents in 1972.
“I’ve always wanted to do things like that,” said Lois.
She added it wasn’t always easy before John said “but we had a good time”.
Lois recalls their first foster child arrived not long after John was involved in a motorbike accident. Not able to work after breaking his back, Lois said “I still went on with it”.
Starting off with pre-adoptive babies, John and Lois welcomed 65 children of all ages into their home over many years.
They received various accolades for their years of fostering, Lois gaining Jaycees and Club 88 awards and both invited to Government House.
John worked various jobs including the SEC in Yallourn, Miller’s Rope Factory and as a crane driver. He also made beautiful doll houses and toys for charity, volunteered with ADASS and now enjoys cards.
Lois helped in her father’s garage at Yarragon – where they lived after marrying – whilst raising their children.
She played tennis, was a long-time volunteer with the Baw Baw District Police Senior Citizens Register, joined mother’s club at Warragul North Primary School and now enjoys trivia.
The family also share fond memories of camping trips at Shady Creek.